Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

Vision and Values

The Library’s Vision
The Patten Free Library, within and beyond its walls, will be an essential part of our communities’ intellectual and cultural life. We will respond to our users’ needs and interests by providing open access to a rich and dynamic range of globally connected resources. We will promote lifelong learning, literacy, and the love of reading for all. We will nurture and develop cultural and educational programs and partnerships. We will create user-friendly physical and virtual environments that establish the library as a vital community presence and gathering place.

The Library’s Values

Free and Equal Access
We believe that free and equal access to information is a cornerstone of democracy. We connect library users in a nonjudgmental manner with the information they wish to explore.

Intellectual Freedom, Diversity, and Privacy
We value intellectual freedom and the need for our collection to represent different points of view. We believe that individuals are responsible for making their own choices regarding appropriateness of materials, and that parents/guardians are responsible for the choices made for their children. We protect the privacy and confidentiality of library users and their records, and uphold the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights.

Social Responsibility and Lifelong Learning
We are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve by promoting literacy and opportunity for all ages. We collaborate with public education by offering preschool, after-school, and summer programming and foster lifelong learning with staff trained to connect individuals and ideas.

Service and Professionalism
We offer quality service to all patrons by displaying a welcoming, courteous attitude and exemplifying integrity and competence in our actions. We strive for excellence by maintaining our own knowledge and skills, fostering innovation and flexibility, and working together to create an open, harmonious workplace characterized by mutual respect. We are committed to identifying and removing barriers to library use.

Community and Collaboration
The Patten Free Library is a community center and gathering place that creates opportunities for group as well as individual learning. We value collaboration with schools, government, nonprofit organizations, and other community groups to promote the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of a learning society. We are stewards of our community’s collective memory.

Growth and Innovation
We are forward-looking and value technology not as an end in itself but as an opportunity to improve library services. Our physical and virtual spaces respond to the changing habits of our users to enrich their library experience. Our staff is committed to assisting and training patrons who may see technology as a barrier to library use.